High level of benzene at refineries

Four Louisiana refineries are among a dozen across the U.S. that released the cancer-causing chemical benzene at levels higher than EPA limits, according to the environmental non-profit Environmental Integrity Project. EIP found that PBF Energy's Chalmette Refinery in Chalmette; Valero’s St. Charles refinery; Shell Norco Manufacturing Complex in Norco; and the Phillips 66 refinery in Westlake all emitted more than nine micrograms per cubic meter of benzene at their fence lines in 2021. Benzene, which the EPA considers a “known carcinogen” is a gaseous compound found in gasoline and petroleum products. It is known to cause immune systems damage and leukemia. Firms are required to create plans to reduce benzene emissions when it exceeds the 9-microgram limit. Six other Louisiana refineries emitted more than three micrograms per cubic meter of benzene. The lower benzene level is not mentioned in EPA’s regulations. EPA's nine micrograms per cubic meter does not mean there is a health risk to the public, or is it a measure of benzene levels in the community, according to a statement released by the Chalmette Refinery. (Source: NOLA.com 05/13/22) Louisiana refineries measured excessively high levels of cancer-causing chemical in 2021 | Environment | nola.co